Gongguan Township in Miaoli County is predominantly a Hakka community, with agriculture serving as its economic backbone. It is renowned for its specialty agricultural products, such as pickled mustard greens and red dates. Thanks to its high-quality clay, Gongguan emerged as a major hub for the ceramics industry during the Japanese colonial period. Numerous ceramic factories once lined the area, and its pottery products were celebrated throughout Taiwan. However, as industries shifted, traditional ceramics gradually declined. Today, Gongguan actively integrates traditional pottery into modern life, striving to showcase its innovative spirit and carry forward the cultural legacy rooted in its rich pottery heritage.
Contents
◦ Miaoli Travel Guide
01｜Transportation in Miaoli
🚄 Taiwan High Speed Rail
🚗 Cross-city chartered one-day tour from Taipei
02｜Popular Attractions in Miaoli
🎫 Shang Shun World Ticket
🎫 Hobbit Valley Admission Ticket
🎫 Zhou Ye Cottage Ticket
🎫 Flying Cow Ranch Ticket
🎫 Miaoli West Lake Resortopia Ticket
03｜Things To Do in Miaoli
🏕️ Cabin Getaway at Blue Magpie Resort
🏕️ Bell Tent Glamping Experience in Whispering Tree Campground
♨️ Open-Air Hot Spring and Nude Bath at Shine Mood Resort Yuanli
◦ The History of Gongguan
During the Qianlong and Jiaqing reigns of the Qing dynasty, Hakka people migrated to Miaoli for large-scale land development, with Gongguan serving as a central hub for this expansion. Early settlers began cultivating the areas of Fuzhi and Shiqiang, establishing fortified structures called "Ailiao" and recruiting guards to ensure safety. At that time, Fuzhi was known as "Upper Ailiao," while Gongguan Street was referred to as "Lower Ailiao," a name that later became Gongguan's old moniker. Over time, Gongguan developed as the administrative center, with Gongguan District established during the late Qing dynasty. Following local government reforms in 1920, it was renamed Gongguan Village, and the name "Gongguan" has been used ever since.
◦ Attractions in Gongguan
01｜Ceramic Road
Gongguan was once a thriving hub for the ceramics industry, boasting as many as 18 kilns at its peak. Although the industry has gradually declined, many dedicated ceramic artists continue to pursue their craft. In recent years, the township office has actively promoted a "Ceramics Revival" initiative, aiming to reintroduce this culturally rich traditional industry to a wider audience. One of the most iconic projects of this initiative is the Ceramic Road.
The Ceramic Road spans the stretch of Provincial Highway 6 from the Gongguan Interchange to Route 128, including key roads like Yanshan Road. As visitors enter Gongguan, they are immediately immersed in the charm of ceramics. Walking along this road, it’s hard not to be captivated by the intriguing creations that line the route.
Ceramic Road Yanshan Rd., Gongguan Township, Miaoli
02｜Wugu Cultural Village
After the decline of the ceramics industry, Wugu Cultural Village successfully revitalized traditional craftsmanship by integrating it with tourism. This innovative approach has breathed new life into the art form. The village offers free exhibitions and guided tours, as well as a variety of meticulously designed DIY activities. Among these, the hand-molding pottery workshop is the most popular. Through these interactive experiences, visitors can see how craftsmanship seamlessly blends into daily life, gaining a deeper appreciation for the local cultural heritage.
As I stepped into the village, the vibrant array of ceramic jars at the entrance immediately caught my eye. Inside the exhibition hall, the delicate cups, plates, and utensils were so captivating that I could hardly resist the urge to take them all home.
What surprised me the most was discovering the semi-finished pieces in the slip casting area. It was fascinating to see how these humble forms serve as the foundation for the exquisite beauty and life imbued into the final ceramic products.
Wugu Cultural Village Opening Hours: 0800-1700 No. 117-5, Yugu, Gongguan Township, Miaoli
03｜Miaoli Ceramics Museum
The Miaoli Ceramics Museum is renowned for its extensive collection of thousands of art pieces that reflect the history and culture of Miaoli. Its various exhibition areas showcase a wide range of themes, including local ceramic artists, traditional pottery techniques, and modern wood-fired ceramics.
My first impression of the museum was that its collection is far from conventional. Many pieces are not immediately easy to interpret, yet they invite deeper contemplation and appreciation. These creations vividly illustrate the creativity and passion of contemporary artists who use clay as their medium. Exploring the exhibits was an incredibly enriching and enjoyable experience!
Miaoli Ceramics Museum Opening Hours: 0900-1700, closed on Monday. No. 352, Guannan, Gongguan Township, Miaoli
04｜Miaoli Specialty Pavilion
Since 2020, the Gongguan Township Farmers' Association has been managing the Miaoli Specialty Pavilion, introducing several venues centered around "agricultural education", offering visitors diverse ways to experience local agricultural specialties.
Gongguan has fully capitalized on its abundance of red dates to create an array of impressive products. I couldn’t resist picking up a bottle of red date beer to try, only to discover how harmoniously the sweetness of red dates blends with the bitterness of hops. This unexpected flavor combination left me pleasantly surprised and gave me a newfound appreciation for the area's agricultural treasures.
Miaoli Specialty Pavilion Opening Hours: 0900-1700, closed on Monday. No. 352, Guannan, Gongguan Township, Miaoli
◦ Restaurants and Snacks in Gongguan
01｜Aunt Thirteen Beef Noodles
"Nothing special, just delicious." It was this bold and confident tagline on the storefront that drew me in. I ordered their signature braised beef noodle soup. The broth was rich and flavorful, and the generous portion of half-tendon, half-meat perfectly hit the mark. The tender texture of the tendon exceeded my expectations. Just like the shop claims, there's nothing particularly fancy about it—it’s simply delicious.
Aunt Thirteen Beef Noodles Opening Hours: 1030-2030, closed on Wednesday. No. 197, Wugu, Gongguan Township, Miaoli
◦ Flying Over Taiwan
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◦ Other Areas in Miaoli
➤ Yuanli | The Centuries-Old Craft of Rush Weaving
➤ Houlong | A Hakka Town with a Sea of Silver Miscanthus